WELCOME TO OHIOKAN
Region 8
Please learn about our region, our partners and services, and all of the resources we have available for you.
COUNTIES SERVED
Belmont
Carroll
Coshocton
Guernsey
Harrison
Jefferson
Morgan
Monroe
Muskingum
Noble
Perry
Tuscarawas
Washington
REGION 8 STAFF
Deb Knaup
DIRECTOR
Deb Knaup
Director, Region 8
Deborah is a well-networked child welfare and social services professional who comes to Kinnect by way of Muskingum County Children Services and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Zanesville. In these two organizations, Deborah has spent the past 10 years developing a passion for serving families in need and building strong relationships within her community. She is the President of her local Kiwanis chapter. Deborah earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Ohio University. Deborah is very eager and enthusiastic about joining Kinnect and seamlessly transitioning her skill set into leading OhioKAN in Region 8!
Derrick Beitzel
COORDINATOR
Derrick Beitzel
Navigator, The Village Network (Region 8)
Derrick has spent his career working in the mental and behavioral health fields, previously serving as a Child Care Worker for youth and young adults with severe emotional and behavioral needs in residential treatment, as well as a Behavioral Health Technician at Mercy Health, St. Charles Hospital, and a Tech for Community Mental Health’s Crisis Stabilization Unit. He has experience working with those with developmental disabilities at Tuscarawas County Board of Developmental Disabilities and held the role of Chief of Operations at Alco Services, providing respite care and other services to individuals with developmental disabilities there. Derrick has lived experience and is currently the legal guardian for three children in kinship placement while working on the adoption process. He holds a Master of Arts from Baldwin Wallace College. Derrick is excited to serve as an OhioKAN Navigator at The Village Network in Region 8!
Damita Kniceley
COACH
Damita Kniceley
Coach, Region 8
Damita has over 20 years’ experience working with families and children in various roles, including Community Outreach, Workforce Development, Family and Youth Advocacy, OWF/SNAP and Medicaid Case Management, Kinship and Adoption, and working with survivors of Domestic Violence. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Ohio University in Organizational Communications and a Family Development Certification from the University of Iowa. Damita’s passion is working with individuals and helping them become self-sufficient. Previously, a Navigator for Region 7, she is now excited to serve the families of OhioKAN as A regional Coach!
Michelle Knowlton
NAVIGATOR
Muskingum County
Michelle Knowlton
Navigator, Muskingum County (Region 8)
Michelle previously worked at The Recovery Center in Lancaster and Pathways of Central Ohio in Newark as a Prevention Coordinator, where she educated students on staying healthy and preventing drugs and alcohol abuse. She taught preschool as a Cooperating Lead Teacher at The Ohio State University Newark, and has done volunteer tutoring at the Zanesville Civic League. Michelle has a bachelor’s of science in Human Ecology, Family Relations, and Human Development from The Ohio State University. She is excited to serve with OhioKAN as a Region 8 Navigator for Muskingum County Adult and Child Protective Services.
Alexis Heinlein
NAVIGATOR
The Village Network
Alexis Heinlein
Navigator, The Village Network (Region 8)
Alexis comes to OhioKAN from Doctors Hospital Emergency Department in Columbus, where she worked as a Patient Support Assistant. Alexis is a passionate professional with experience working alongside individuals and families navigating vulnerable situations. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University in Human Services with a specialization in children and families. Alexis is eager to be part of the OhioKAN program as a Region 8 Navigator at The Village Network and is looking forward to serving families and creating connections within the community!
Marlene Emerick
NAVIGATOR
The Village Network
Marlene Emerick
Navigator, The Village Network (Region 8)
Marlene has experience working in the adoption space as an Adoption Assessor for Harrison & Carroll County Probate Court. As an Adoption Assessor, she prepared home studies for step-parents and private adoptions. Before that, she was a Social Services Supervisor for the Harrison County DJFS in Cadiz, OH. There, she supervised multiple services, including adoption/foster/kinship, intake, ongoing care, and placement. Marlene has a BS from Malone College in Canton, OH. She’s excited about the opportunity to continue to assist adoptive and kinship families!
Andrea McFerren
NAVIGATOR
The Village Network
Andrea McFerren
Navigator, The Village Network (Region 8)
Previously, Andrea worked at the Stark County Children Services as a caseworker in the PPLA department. She also worked at Stark County Board of Developmental Disabilities as a Service and Support Administrator, where she worked with referrals for children in need of services. She has done volunteer work with Christ Presbyterian Church working with children. She has even traveled to Puerto Rico to work with children at a rural camp, fixing up the facilities and helping with road work. Andrea has an Associates degree in Human and Social Services, a Bachelor’s in Social Work from the University of Akron, and a Masters in Education from Malone College. Andrea is excited to serve with OhioKAN as a Region 8 Navigator for The Village Network and is looking forward to helping children and families allocate the services that they need.
REGIONAL SITE PARTNERS
